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Act 1: Non-Stop
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Hamilton, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Collaboration, Disagreement, and Democracy
Stories vs. History
Ambition and Mortality
Immigration and Diversity of Influence
Honor
Summary
Analysis
In 1789, Hamilton is running the Treasury Department, and Jefferson is about to become Secretary of State. But Jefferson has been in France for much of the war, shoring up French aid. This song gives Madison a chance to catch his friend up on his hatred of Hamilton.
In the musical’s Act 2 casting, Lafayette has become Jefferson, and Mulligan has become Madison—so Hamilton’s best friends have now become his enemies. In addition to shortening the cast list (always a plus with Broadway budgeting!), this shift shows the isolating effects of Hamilton’s ambition; where once he had a group of collaborators, now he has rivals.
Themes
As Jefferson prepares to head to Washington, Madison warns him that Hamilton’s plan is overreaching. Jefferson quickly thinks up some remarks for his first Cabinet meeting.
Unlike Hamilton, Madison and Jefferson are close friends—and so they are able to work more effectively together. As Miranda says, Madison is the “wonk” and Jefferson is the “charisma” in the duo.
Themes
